There have been plenty of friendly fixtures and league games in the first weeks of 2023 for the bowlers at Madeira, although the icy conditions have scuppered or postponed some events.

In early January, the men played a memorial game against bowlers from Bitton Park. It has been a regular fixture since the Indoor Bowling Hall at Madeira opened in 1981 between a team captained by Ken Boobyer of Bitten Park and Bob Burch’s team from Madeira.

The friendship between Ken Boobyer and Bob Burch started when they both bowled as England internationals. Since the passing of Bob Burch, this was the first fixture played as a memorial game and the home team did well to win overall by 63 shots to 52 and on two of the three rinks. David Mansell, playing with John Bellamy, Captain of the day Keith Weeks and Roger Williams, achieved the best shot difference of the day of plus 9.

Three ladies’ triples travelled to Dawlish for a good result, again winning two of the three games, and overall by 54 shots to 37. Janine Orchard, playing with Myra Furminger and Lin Hambly, achieved an impressive plus 24 shot win, which went a long way to ensure the win.

The following day, three ladies’ triples travelled to Isca for a very chilly game, Isca’s heat having broken down. The home team achieved a big win, although the game was only played to 14 ends due to the cold.

Men’s teams played away at Sidmouth and Honiton on consecutive days and with similar results. At Sidmouth, Madeira won on one rink and lost overall by just six shots and at Honiton, similarly won one rink but lost overall by 41 shots to 53. Steve Stott skipped Dave Mansell and Chris Reed for a plus 7 win at Sidmouth and Roger Williams, playing with Captain Mike Norman and Graham Ellis, achieved the same margin at Honiton.

And finally, three mixed triples teams played at Isca again losing overall. Gordon Medlock, playing with Ann Maloney and Mike Holmes, had the best result for Madeira with their draw.